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Pritzker mandates shutdown of public events over 1,000

By Reel Chicago
Mar 12, 2020

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Today in a formal announcement, Illinois Gov JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot have join other states by placing restrictions on large gatherings. Pritzker asked that events of 250 people or more be postponed or cancelled.

He then further mandated that all events of more than 1,000 people are banned in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Mayor Lightfoot made it clear that the order does not affect ‘airports, train stations, public transit or schools.’

Pritzker and Lightfoot both recommended that people work from home if at all possible.

“We have to continue practicing social distancing and if you do not feel well, for God sake stay home,” Lightfoot said.

It was announced Thursday that a child in Chicago is among seven new cases of coronavirus reported in Illinois, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 32.

However, Pritzker did not call for the closure of schools across the state. Instead, he said schools will be monitored “on a day-by-day basis.” City and State schools will remain open under the guidance of local officials.

However, “CPS will begin scaling back large-scale events,” Lightfoot said “No gathering takes priority over the health of any attendee.”

Local sport teams have been asked to cancel games or play without spectators.

In addition, starting Monday the James R. Thompson Center in the Loop is closed to those who do not have state business.